ENVS 469B - Topics: Sustainable Development

Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 4
Maximum Credit(s) Awarded: 4

This course provides the foundation for the Sustainability Leadership Program. We introduce major approaches to and measures of sustainability (e.g., ecological design, permaculture, biomimicry, life-cycle costing, triple bottom line, natural capitalism, ecological footprint, bioregionalism, The Natural Step, Transition movement); explore relationships among sustainability, economic development, and social justice; and apply systems thinking and sustainability principles to specific issues. We also use existing models and team projects to examine how personal values, goals, and communication styles influence our roles as change agents; and we practice a variety or methods (e.g. Scenario Thinking, Appreciative Inquiry, World Cafe, Open Space) that can promote networking, public participation, planning, and group decision-making on sustainability issues. This is a mostly residential course designed to create a community of reflective learners that support each other in becoming effective as social entrepreneurs and sustainability change agents. Cross-listed SUST 650

Prerequisite(s): Admissions into Sustainability Leadership Program or consent of the instructor.